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Great American Bike Race

The race where everyone wins

Troy Lapp works with
John Cicha to maximize his coordination and speech abilities.
Cicha and Jacob Vetter, have benefited from
specialized equipment thanks to the Sanford Health's
Great American Bike Race.

When Jacob Vetter went for a boat ride last
summer with his family, it was a special
first for the 11-year-old. The outing was made
possible via a portable manual wheelchair provided
through Sanford Health’s Great American Bike
Race, also known as GABR.

Jacob is unable to walk because of cerebral
palsy, a physical disability caused by damage to
the brain that usually occurs before, during or
shortly after birth. His motorized chair, too heavy
to lift even by itself, restricted access and activities
for the Bismarck boy and his family.

“The manual wheelchair provides us much more
mobility,” said his father, Greg. “We’re now able to
go to places and events any other family would go.”

“GABR funding makes it possible for families
to obtain everyday essential items or help pay for
portions of therapy services insurance will not
cover,” said Kevin Murphy, MD, a Sanford pediatric rehabilitation specialist. “While these
children have unique needs, GABR funding unites
them with a common goal of enhancing their lives
while helping them live more independently.”

The Vetters learned about GABR funding
through a cerebral palsy support group.
They also received funds last year to purchase
bathroom equipment, which has improved
Jacob’s independence.

“Those involved with GABR are doing it to
help their neighbors in western North Dakota,”
Vetter said. “The atmosphere at the race is electric.
It’s a real feel-good event done for the right
reasons—the kids.”

The family has been involved in the race since they moved to Bismarck seven years ago, and American Bank Center,Vetter’s employer and a major sponsor, also has teams.

“GABR is that buffer that allows us to keep our heads above water,”
said Karen Cicha, whose son John has cerebral palsy. “Many times, we have
gone to a regular appointment and had a doctor or a therapist tell us we need
a new piece of equipment that will cost thousands. You immediately wonder,
‘What are we going to do?’”

John Cicha, 14, has difficulty with muscle tone, coordination and
speech. He relies on a laptop mounted to his wheelchair to communicate.
Switches on his head rest allow him to select images and words on the
screen. A computerized voice speaks for him.

The Mandan family first applied for funding when John was in kindergarten because insurance wouldn’t cover a tray for his wheelchair.

“I don’t know what we would have done through the years without GABR funding to help with major expenses,” she said.

GABR funds made it possible for John to receive a bicycle for his sixth
birthday. “It was really exciting for both John and his twin brother to ride
their bikes together,” Cicha said. “Our family was able to do something
outside that could include him, rather than having him watch us from
his wheelchair.”

An electric bed furnished by GABR allows Cicha and other caregivers to
more easily provide therapy and tube feedings. It also allows John, an avid
movie fan, to watch television from a comfortable position.

Cicha volunteers at the GABR registration desk, and John’s siblings,
David and Emily, are committed to riding every year.

Cicha, like Vetter, encourages families to take advantage of funding
opportunities through GABR.

“GABR is about wonderful family and friends coming together to create
this fund,” Cicha said. “All parents of children with cerebral palsy should
think of it as their own family and friends putting money aside just for them.
It’s as if all the people who would like to do something really nice for you
have done just that.”

Click here for more information
on Sanford Rehabilitation Center or call (701) 323-6097.